Residents back 20mph speed limit proposal

People in Wandsworth have backed the introduction of lower speed limits in residential streets in the borough.

The results of a three month long public consultation staged earlier this year showed a clear majority of those who took part supported a 20mph speed limit in quieter residential areas.

The change, which was unanimously endorsed by councillors from both parties on Tuesday night, will not affect Wandsworth’s busy main roads or any Transport for London-controlled Red Routes.

Cllr Cook with business spokesman Cllr Kim Caddy

Councillors were told last night that 59 per cent of those who responded to the consultation supported a 20mph limit in quieter and less busy residential streets. Sixty four per cent agreed that the limit should remain unchanged on main roads.

The council’s transport and environment spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: “I have always supported this proposal because I believe it will deliver clear benefits for local people. But it would have been quite wrong for us to have proceeded without first asking residents and businesses for their views.

“Having received a very clear result from the consultation we can now move this scheme forward.

“In my view this change will make our streets safer for drivers, cyclists and also very importantly for pedestrians.

“We hope that improving safety levels will encourage people to leave their cars at home and travel instead by bike or on foot.

“If we can reduce the number of vehicles on our roads then not only will our streets be quieter and safer but there should also be an improvement in local air quality levels.”

Implementing a borough-wide 20mph limit will cost £725,000 and will be funded by a grant received from Transport for London.

This will pay mainly for appropriate signage and road markings to inform drivers of the lower limit. There are no plans within these proposals to introduce any additional speed humps or “sleeping policeman” anywhere in the borough.

Enforcement of the new limit will be carried out by the police, with the council working in support of their efforts, alongside community leaders, crime prevention panel members and neighbourhood watch co-ordinators. Any revenue generated by speed fines goes direct to HM Treasury not the town hall.

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Recent comments

20 mph signs in Topsham Rd make absolutely no difference. Some cars still speed at 50mph because speed humps are too low. A child will be killed there soon.
Safety of children is more important than cars' suspension.
Sleeping policemen work. Signs don't if you don't ever check on the drivers' speed. Waste of paint !

Graham Evans

15 July 2016

it does not help anyone here , When the Wandsworth council issue our resident parking permits like sweets in a shop . Dozens or so permits per households causing even more congestion on our roads and parking a utter nightmare for all of us . 20 mph is just going too make things just worse more pollution and traffic . Road conditions is the factor of drivers speed clear road 25 mph is fine now it will be a criminal offence !!! GREAT

Qumer Iqbal

12 July 2016

Enforcing this for delivery bikes is key in my opinion. Most motorists drive the correct speed for the road and coniditions, it's the domino's and deliveroo delivery bikes that consistently break the limit, drive on wrong side of road or on pavement and over half of them must be illegally noisy and un road worthey surely

Matthew Harrop

12 July 2016

Erpingham rd already has the limit with humps imposed, and cars travel well in excess of the limit. Without cameras to catch offenders it is not the answer, although I support the proposal.

A Paqrker

11 July 2016

So does this mean you'll remove the ridiculous speed humps which are basically launch ramps for skip lorries and buses on Broomwood Road from the junction of Northcote Road to Clapham Common and if not, WHY NOT?

Ian

10 July 2016

I strongly approve the 20mph speed limit. I hope this includes all the roads leading off Northcote road which contain many schools. In particular Wakehurst road which has three schools.This road is a much
used one as a "rat run" to avoid traffic lights. Have you considered making
these feeder roads 'one way' alternately like those off Kings road Chelsea?

Douglas Sherwood

10 July 2016

If there have been a different, would you still experience kidney dialysis?
http://kidneydiet1.blogspot.com/

Marylin

10 July 2016

Just to add - why not make people vote on this.. I am sure a lot of people did not bother to comment...

S. R. Job

9 July 2016

Just to add - why not make people vote on this.. I am sure a lot of people did not bother to comment...

S. R. Job

9 July 2016

This is cuckoo land... no one will stick to it... unless in heavy traffic A lot of money will be spent changing street signs, painting the road... Most drivers in Wandsworth cannot get above 20mph anyway due to traffic and school runs. Money should be spent on more urgent needs... cameras on every street corner to monitor... No... Admit peek periods may need this.. but Traffic so bad it will never get up to 20mph... You are wasting our valuable money... Most hate this ridiculous speed limit. Why penalise the driver when one should be teaching cyclists to adhere to the Highway code.. Have stood many a time at a ped crossing only to almost have my nose chopped off by a cyclist ignoring a red light! Scheme a waste of money.

S. R. Job

9 July 2016

Not exactly sure what this is going to achieve other than perpetuate the war against the motorist. People who fail to stick to 30 will not stick to 20. Meanwhile cyclists will continue to break the law and the council / tfl / police do nothing!!

Matt

9 July 2016

Having lived in the borough for years , I am some what dumb founded how lowering the speed will actually speed up travel through traffic, people who drive through Wandsworth to get to clapham areas. Already the road is congested from traffic light confusion and too many traffic signals and these should be zebra crossing instead to keep the traffic moving. Thanks

Dawn Skeete

9 July 2016

Hi. Are there any plans to implement these restrictions on upper tooting park. There is a childrens playground on this street which is used by hundreds of children weekly. Currently there is no signage warnning motorist that there is a playground. Not only is there a high volume of traffic, but a large proportion of these viechles are heavey goods . Ie skip lorries and commercial use viechles which use the road as a cut through between trinity rd and balham high road.
Any information into this would be much appreciated.

Gareth parry

9 July 2016

A great idea if it is properly enforced. Yet another extremely concerned resident on Mysore Road who is troubled by the increased number of vehicles using Mysore Road as a cut through to avoid traffic lights and traffic on Elspeth Road. Cars and vans travel along Mysore Road at terrifying speed. There are a large number of very young families on Mysore Road and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. Would like to see additional measures such as one way / road bumps installed on Mysore Road in addition to reduced speed limit.

Eve Fraser

8 July 2016

I notice Rob M commenting on Aboyne Road parking - cars have suddenly appearing parked in that narrow one lane either way road - any chance of double yellow lines or reds please.
This rule will apply to cyclists ??. Twice recently driving into Vicarage Crescent looking right to make sure no one driving down the one way street to nearly bump into cyclist going the wrong way - address of one I can supply.
How about doing something about the standard of parking in Tilehurst and Fieldview Roads - they were double parked today - one on the pavement and one next to them in the road.
As for 20mph - all we can mostly do - how about fining pedestrians for stepping out where ever - often only a cars length from an official crossing.

Liz

8 July 2016

What a load of rubbish.This country is becoming more and more like a police state every day.It won't be long before you need a permit from the Council to go to the toilet.

ad

8 July 2016

A waste of money and time. It raises the pollution levels which cause health ricks to the community. Do something useful.

mike

8 July 2016

Has anyone thought about the increased traffic on roads that still have 30 limits. I'm presuming over time people will begin to know the faster roads increasing traffic on these, increasing congestion and overall risk of using these roads. Would it not be better to go for a blanket 20 limit.

Tim

8 July 2016

I am delighted to read that the Council will be imposing a 20mph speed limit to residential roads. Please do as Lambeth and impose this limit also on B roads such St James's Drive which is also residential. It is hoped that the new Mayor will impose the same limit to TFL red routes.

Robert Newell CVO

8 July 2016

Wow £725,000 for implementing 20mph on roads where most cars travel at that speed anyway. I wish the question was asked as to whether we would prefer this amount to be spent on a pointless speed limit or spent elsewhere then I think the percentages quoted above would be very different!!
Such a shame that some key roads where such enforcement would have more effect (e.g. Northcote Road) are not included especially with the large commercial vehicles using them.

Tim

8 July 2016

A no-brainer for WBC - TFL in effect subsidizes the council's ordinary wage bill by paying for council employees to put up signs and mark the road. But for the rest of us it's a complete waste of money: in my 20 mph street there has been little or no change in the habits of drivers - good and considerate ones drive at 20-25 mph as they always did, the others (incl police not on emergency call, council vehicles, etc) go at whatever speed they like - often 35-40 and sometimes 50+ (timed & calculated). There's been no enforcement, and I'm willing to bet there will be none - any more than there is for the 7.5 tonne weight limit. Councillor Cook, care to tell us the specific plans you and the police have for future enforcement?

Ossie Bullock

8 July 2016

We have had a 20mph limits in our residential streets now for a few months but I have yet to see a car or van that adheres to the limit.
We have a 30 mph limit on the Lower Richmond Road and I regularly see cars doing 50 mph. Speed limits are pointless unless they are enforced.

David Gandy

8 July 2016

When will it be implemented, which roads?

Chris

8 July 2016

Yes it's a good idea but what about the speed of cars on Totterdown street.
We should have bumps at least.
People drive down this road scratching and damaging the parked cars so fast.
It's Totterdown street they need to sort out .!

Amneh

8 July 2016

Vast sums spent on signs and road painting but no sign of any enforcement and so far no difference noticed in this road. Vehicles still pass through at more than 20 mph, relieved at escaping the tail-backs in Trinity Road.
I think the money might have been better spent on some cameras to check on the constant fly-tipping at the Trinity Road end of Holdernesse Road.

E. Hodges

8 July 2016

The speed limit was introduced in the Oakhill Grid 9 months ago. it has made no difference. There is no enforcement, I have written to the council several times to enquire how many tickets have been issued. They referred me to the police, they where not aware of the new limit. So far a failure.

James B.

8 July 2016

A waste of government money.

Jeremy Lock

8 July 2016

£725,000 - it might not be Wandsworth that pays but the council tax payer is paying (or at least anyone who has a job and pays tax).
I have never even heard of this consultation - do these people in the consultation even own a car ?
Maybe taking away silly speed bumps that cause more pollution on local roads would be a good start (I bet pollution kills more people than cars) or the silly dangerous layout of burntwood lane that the council know is dangerous, but won't do anything about as it costs money - all accidents there are on your conscience Mr Cook.
I think Wandsworth is turning into a socialist council, i.e. very good at spending other people's money

Simon

8 July 2016

As others have said policing it is the key.
Agree the traffic in the area needs to be improved though.
I hate parking charges but there needs to be extra restrictions on Aboyne Road as the cars there coupled with the business are creating a real nasty crunch point. Road rage creation station.

Rob M

8 July 2016

As a fellow resident of Mysore Road I echo the comments from Bartholomew Nash. Traffic regularly exceeds the speed limit and it is increasingly dangerous for residents and their families.
I'd like to understand if there are any proposals to introduce a one way system and traffic calming measures - similar to Lavender Gardens and Altenburg Gardens. This needs to be considered alongside stricter enforcement of the speed limit. Thank you.

Tom Peters

8 July 2016

Commercial vehicle drivers use our roads like race tracks. Will there be ANY policing of the new 20 limit?

Peter Duffy

8 July 2016

Having lived with a 20mph limit in Franciscan Road for a while now, I'd say it's a colossal waste of money on signage when there is no enforcement. Most vehicles are passing by my window right now at more than 30mph, sometimes even at 40-50mph, including emergency response vehicles not on a blue light response, HGVs, passenger coaches and even the council's own vehicles. Will it take a casualty to come up with some enforcement action? If Wandsworth can't take action against its own employees for breaking the 20mph limit, what hope is there for any other real enforcement. £725,000 would be better spent on policing the existing limit effectively.

Paul Wallington

8 July 2016

A great initiative but must echo the thoughts of others here - enforcement is key. 20 mph zones currently in existent are largely completely flouted and is extremely dangerous. Reston skip lorries, Ocado vans, taxis and even the Wandsworth Council school minibus hammer it leaving pedestrians diving for cover whilst ruining the road surface. I ask the council to please ensure enforcement so it is not just a toothless headline grabber. Thank you. Keith

Keith

8 July 2016

Hi,
The 20mph zones in Wandsworth are a great initiative - really good news for cyclists and pedestrians.
I hope we are able to police and enforce the speed limits.
Many times in the past, cars and vans have sped at terrific speed along the residential rat-runs and are a real danger to the residents.
Kindest regards
Martin

Martin Dean

8 July 2016

A well thought out change, especially considering the amount of young families moving in to Earlsfield. However, enforcement must be thought through. Penwith Road is 'not suitable for HGVs' however it is heavily used as a main thoroughfare - including a semi-trailer causing chaos whilst towing a crane several days ago.
Let's just hope this is not another 'recommendation' that fails to materialise.

Bartholomew Nash

8 July 2016

This is good news but will it really take place and be enforced?
On of the most dangerous 'quiet residential roads' populated largely by families is MYSORE ROAD. This road is violently mis used as a 'rat run' by high speeding vehicles who wish to avoid Elpeth Rd and the traffic lights. This is the preferred cut through rather than other north south options .
As so many people have nearly met with their demise In this dangerous and for many families a frightening road, may at least a few humps be installed along with 20mph signs either end.
Please do keep us informed
Thank you

Richard gaunt

8 July 2016

I'm agnostic about the change but, as I said in the consultation, surely it's better to try and police the existing 30mph limits first? The speeds up and down, for example, Balham Hill often way over 30. As they are down side roads such as Cathles Road.

Tony J

8 July 2016

This situation has got out of control. I live on Standen Road and the speed limit is exceeded on very regular basis. The cars use it as a through road and sometimes exceed 40mph. It's very dangerous and scary, especially as it poses a huge risk to the many children who live on the street. In addition there is a school and a nursery, so there are more children than just residents to be concerned about.
Please see for yourselves. Place a hidden film camera on the road and you'll capture at least one speeding vehicle every few minutes.
Place a mobile speed camera there and there will be a number of prosecutions - and you'll make quite a bit of money in speeding fines.
Please help urgently. Thank you

Dan Colley

8 July 2016

Surely it is equally as important for main residential roads to also have a lower, safer speed limit? I am disappointed to see that the new 20mph limit will not apply to all residential roads in the borough.

Rich

8 July 2016

This is good news, however in Felsham road there has been an advisory 20mph limit which is widely ignored and I have never seen any enforcement. With cars generally travelling at 30-40mph (as a shortcut to avoid Lower Richmond Road) and the roads single-width with cars parked either side, speeds are incredibly dangerous.
My last correspondence was met with a suggestion that we raised the money for our own radar gun to monitor speeds; perhaps there will be more sensible enforcement now?

G Baker

8 July 2016

Good to read that the 20mph speed limit is being extended to other areas.It has been in my area for a few years now,but I have never seen anyone attempting to enforce it so it is good too see the police and local council officials,etc will take this duty on,but please make sure this actually happens!! There have been a number of occasions recently when single cars or vans have whistled by my house at considerably more than 20.Am I allowed as a private individual to report the offending vehicle(reg no,etc) to the relevant authority?